by Carl Weber
“That’s wonderful! Congratulations.” I hugged her again.
“Thank you.” Li’l Momma nodded.
I easily recognized the look of love in her eyes. It was the same look I’d had when I fell in love with LC. We were young and we had so many dreams. It seemed like it was so long ago and we had come so far, and were now reaching those things that we had imagined and talked about. I wasn’t about to let anyone ruin what we had. I had to find Lou.
“I hate to change the subject, but if Shirley ain’t around, where’s Lou?”
“He ain’t here either.”
“Are they together?”
“I seriously doubt it. I ain’t seen Lou all week. He ain’t even been here to pick up the deposit for the week or get some pussy.”
I frowned. Shirley not being here was strange enough, but for Lou not to have picked up the week’s money was even more outrageous. It was as if he had lost his damn mind completely. Not only was he out running the fucking streets with Donna, but he wasn’t even taking care of his responsibilities for the family businesses. LC was not going to be happy about this when I told him.
“And you don’t know where Shirley or Lou could be?” I sighed.
“Not exactly.” Li’l Momma became serious and dropped her voice practically to a whisper. “But I’ve got an idea where Shirley is.”
“Okay, where?”
“I hate to throw her under the bus, and she might kill me for telling it, but right is right and wrong is wrong,” Li’l Momma said.
“Shirley ain’t gonna kill nobody.”
“She might.” Li’l Momma lifted up her arm and displayed a large purple bruise that was clearly caused by someone’s hand. “This is what she did when I tried talking to her about what I’m about to tell you.”
“Shirley did that? Why? What the hell is going on?” I demanded to know. Although Big Shirley ran the place, she didn’t have a right to put her hands on anybody. I didn’t like that.
“Shirley has a new beau.”
“A new beau? Like in a new man?” I asked, and she nodded. “Who is this man?”
Li’l Momma pointed to the bruise on her arm. “I don’t know, but she said it was none of my business.”
My mind was racing, and I didn’t know who I was going to fuck up first when I found them: Donna, Lou, or now, Shirley.
“Poor Levi’s going to be devastated,” I said.
“That’s what I said, but Shirley didn’t seem to care.”
“Where is Levi?” I stood up.
“He’s with them damn dogs.” Li’l Momma nodded toward the back of the building. “He’s come out here looking for Shirley about ten times already.”
I didn’t even say good-bye as I exited the bar area, speed-walked down the hallway, and out the back door. Larry and Lou had built a dog pen in the back of Big Shirley’s so that Levi could be occupied while Shirley was working. I called his name, and a few minutes later, he came trudging toward me, carrying a small puppy.
“Ch–Ch–Chippy.” Like always, he was grinning.
“Hey, Levi.” I tried to muster a smile.
“P–p–puppy fo–fo–for J–J–Junior.” He held the small animal up for me to see.
“Aw, that’s so sweet, Levi. Junior’s going to love him.”
I looked at my brother-in-law. Dressed in dusty jeans and a plaid shirt, he was a good-looking man, just like his brothers. He was as big as an ox and had the heart of an angel despite his mental shortcomings. He didn’t deserve this. He was worthy of real love the same way I was, and Li’l Momma, or even Shirley, for that matter.
“Levi, you’re coming home with me to Atlanta, okay? To see Junior.”
“W–w–with you?” He seemed confused. “Wh–what about Sh–Sh–Shirley? Sh–she with tha–that m–m–man.” Levi looked so sad. People could call him simple, but he wasn’t stupid.
“Yeah, I know. LC will take care of that, okay? Now, come on.” I reached for his arm, but he pulled away.
“P–p–puppy.” He looked down at the animal then up at me.
I realized that he wasn’t going anywhere without that damn dog. I gave him a nod of approval and said, “Yes, Levi, the puppy can come too. But we’ve gotta go now.”
Fifteen minutes later, after much coaxing, I was headed back home to Atlanta with Levi in the passenger’s seat, holding the puppy, and ten more dogs in the back seat. I hadn’t talked to Lou or found Donna, but what I was returning with was just as important. I just had to figure out a way to explain to my husband why I had taken a trip to Waycross and hadn’t mentioned a word to him about it.
Nee Nee
36
“Momma! Momma! Momma!” Curtis called my name for what seemed like the hundredth time. I had put him and Junior to bed almost an hour ago and had just given Vegas a bottle and laid him down, but he still hadn’t gone to sleep. The boy’s energy was nonstop. I had taken them to the park twice, gave them a heavy meal and a hot bath, but unlike his cousins, my boy was still wide awake. I was more exhausted than he was at this point.
“Yes, Curtis,” I yelled from the living room.
“I’m thirsty. Can I have some water?”
“No, Curtis. It’s too late for something to drink. You’ll pee the bed.”
“No, I won’t, Momma. I promise,” he pleaded.
“Curtis, I swear if you wake up Junior or Vegas I’m gonna whip your tail good. Now go to sleep.”
I looked at the clock and checked the time. It was almost ten, and Larry had said he would be home by ten. I needed Curtis to hurry up and go to sleep, because I had an itch that needed scratching, and I planned on taking care of it the second my husband walked in the door. My husband. Just being able to say those words made me smile. I had waited so long for the set of rings that now adorned my right finger. It even made the fact that Larry was on the road working four or five days out of the week worth it. I made sure to show him how much I missed him every time he came home, but tonight, my son seemed like he was trying to put a damper on my plans.
I waited a few moments for Curtis to respond, and when he didn’t, I relaxed a bit, hoping that he had finally gone to sleep. I got up from the sofa. I needed to hurry and get ready.
Before I had even gotten to the hallway, I heard the sound of Larry’s key in the lock of the front door. The fact that I hadn’t had time to change into my new lingerie set overshadowed the happy news that he was actually a few minutes early.
“Hey, Nee,” Larry said when he walked in.
I ran over and planted a big kiss on his lips and threw my arms around his neck, causing him to drop the two duffle bags he was carrying. “I missed you.”
“Missed you, too.” The way he was looking at me told me I didn’t need to be bothered with any lingerie.
“Daddy!” Curtis came running down the hallway and leaped into Larry’s arms. Larry lifted him off the ground and swung him into the air, both of them laughing.
Dammit, I loved my big-head son, but his refusal to go to sleep at a decent hour was frustrating as hell and putting a damper on my love life. I knew once he got out of bed and laid eyes on his daddy, it would be another hour before he would settle down enough to even get him back into his room. I couldn’t help but smile, though. I loved to see the two most important men in my life interacting.
“Curtis, tell your daddy good night and go back to bed,” I said sternly.
“But, Momma . . .” Curtis whined.
“Nee, let the boy stay up for a little while with his pops,” Larry said to me.
I leaned over and whispered into his ear seductively, “Who would you rather stay up with, him or me?”
Larry raised an eyebrow. “Get in the room and get naked. I’ll be in there in five minutes.” He then looked down at Curtis and told him, “Come on, son. Let Daddy read you a story right quick and tuck you in.”
Curtis frowned, but it was only for a moment, because before he could whine again, Larry had turned him upside down, and they were headed into Curti
s’s room. I rushed into our bedroom and quickly took off my clothes. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I paused to stare. Just like the Commodores said in their song, I was a brick house. Even after carrying a baby weighing nearly eight pounds, my waist was still small, my breasts full, and my hips and butt firm. I could see why Larry couldn’t keep his hands off me when he was home.
“I love when you do what I tell you to do.” Larry came and stood behind me while I was admiring myself in the mirror. My eyes met his as his hands began making their way to my breasts. My nipples instantly hardened from his touch, and I leaned my head to the side as he began kissing my neck and shoulders.
“Really? You like to tell me what to do?”
“I was born to tell you what to do.” He slapped my ass, softly at first, then harder. I moaned, and when I went to turn around to kiss him, he nudged me. “Now, get your ass on the bed.”
This was exactly what I had been waiting for. Larry was a man who enjoyed taking charge in the bedroom. There were the occasional times that we did the whole romantic lovemaking thing, but for the most part, my husband liked it rough, and so did I. Just hearing the force of his tone and the way he grabbed me let me know that tonight was going to be one of those nights.
“Wait, what about Curtis? He’s probably not asleep yet.”
“His ass ain’t gonna bother us.” He quickly walked over to lock the bedroom door. “Now spread open them legs and play with it while I’m getting undressed.”
I lay on top of the comforter with my legs spread apart and began touching myself. His eyes stayed on me as he slowly took off his shirt. The sight of his chiseled shoulders and chest made the heat that was already between my legs even more intense.
“Yeah, keep doing that,” he said as he removed his shoes and unbuttoned his pants.
My fingers plunged deeper, and I whimpered slightly as I played with myself. Between the impromptu strip tease Larry was giving me and the anticipation of what he was going to do to me, I was damn near ready to cum already. By the time he slipped off his boxers and I saw his bulging dick, I was more than ready for him to do whatever he wanted to do.
Larry climbed on top of me, kissing me forcefully while biting my bottom lip. His fingers replaced mine and found my waiting clit. My back arched, and my legs opened wider.
“Put it in, Larry,” I begged. “I wanna feel you inside me.”
“Shut up. You feel what I tell you to feel,” he said, flipping me over onto my stomach. “Get on your knees.”
He maneuvered to give me just enough room to get on my knees, and just as I did, he smacked me hard on my ass, turning me on even more; then he plunged into me from behind. He gripped my hips and pulled and pushed me alternately until he found the rhythm he wanted. The feel of his dick was mesmerizing, and I closed my eyes and savored the moment.
“Yessss, Larry. Harder,” I moaned as he gripped my hair.
“What you say?” He panted.
“Harder, baby,” I repeated.
“You want it harder?”
“Yesssssss.”
Larry began stroking me more intensely until a wave of pleasure overtook me. I went to fall onto the bed, but he yanked me up and turned me over.
I reached between his legs, massaging his still hard dick, now sticky from my juices. I leaned up and took it into my mouth, glancing up and enjoying the smile on his face as he closed his eyes and enjoyed my skills.
“Suck it, Nee,” he whispered, again grabbing my hair. I licked and sucked the way I knew he liked it. His grip became tighter, and I became aroused all over again.
His body tensed. I knew he was on the brink of climaxing, and then, he pushed me away.
“What?” I asked, confused for a moment.
“Lay on your back,” he panted.
Before I could even get comfortable, he was on top, thrusting into me. I gasped with pleasure and clawed at his chest. I looked up and stared into his eyes, which were full of intensity. His strong arms held me down, and I reached for one of his hands, guiding it to my throat. He was hesitant at first, and then he wrapped his fingers around my neck.
“Tighter,” I whispered.
He shook his head.
“Yes,” I told him. “Tighter!”
He tightened them a little, but I wanted more. Larry knew I enjoyed being choked. My desire to do so to the point of passing out sometimes frightened him, but I didn’t care. People called him Crazy Larry, and he had a reputation of being somewhat psychotic, but I knew he knew my limitations and would never do anything to harm me. I was just as freaky in the bedroom as he was.
“What the fuck is that?” He suddenly loosened his grip.
“Oh my God, is it Curtis?” I asked, thinking that our son may have somehow unlocked the door and walked in.
“Shhhhhhh . . . Shut up.” The way he said it, I knew that he was serious and this wasn’t part of our sexual playtime.
Then I heard the sound that he was referring to. Someone was knocking on our door, loudly.
“Who the hell is that?” I asked as if he had magical X-ray vision and could see who was on the other side. I couldn’t imagine who could be knocking on our door this late at night. We’d only been in our home a couple of weeks, and the only people who ever came over were LC and Chippy, and they would have called first.
Whoever was on the other side began knocking even louder.
“Stay here,” Larry said, getting up out of the bed and grabbing his boxers off the floor.
“What the hell are you doing? Larry, wait.” I began scrambling to get up as well.
“No, stay here,” he said.
I sat on the edge of the bed and folded my arms, but I stayed put. Fear began to creep into my body as he walked out of the room. Something told me that whoever was on the other side of the door wasn’t there for a good reason.
Lou
37
I pulled into the driveway of Larry’s house, jumped out of my car, and ran to the porch, where I started banging on the door. It was almost midnight, and I knew he wasn’t going to like me showing up unannounced, but he was gonna have to get his ass up.
After a while I heard Nee Nee’s voice, and a light came on upstairs. I continued pounding on the door. A minute later, Larry pulled back the curtain slightly.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me. Open the door,” I shouted.
There was a slight pause, but finally, the door opened and Larry stood in the doorway, looking from left to right.
“Dammit, Lou. What the fuck are you doing here?” He was dressed in his drawers and a wife beater, and he definitely didn’t look pleased to see me. “You know what time it is?”
I wasted no time getting to the point. “I got some information about Momma.”
“Momma?” He looked like he was about to close the door. “Man, get the fuck outta here with that bullshit. You come back to my house talking this shit again and I’m gonna have them lock your ass up in Central State.”
“Well, go ahead and call ’em, ’cause I ain’t leaving. Not when I finally got proof.” My voice cracked with emotion, and I was breathing so hard that I could feel the rise and fall of my chest as I talked.
“Proof of what, Lou?” He sounded annoyed, but he wouldn’t be for long after I showed him what I had.
“Come to my car with me.” I went to step off the porch, but he still hadn’t moved.
“Man, I ain’t going out there. Whatever you got, bring it over here.”
“Larry, God dammit, if you want to see proof come with me.”
He finally stepped outside and followed me, grumbling all the way. I took the keys out of my pocket and unlocked the trunk so he could look inside.
“What the fuck? Who’s that?” He stared into the eyes of a guy, bound and gagged, lying in the trunk of the car.
“He’s your proof.” I beamed proudly.
“Who the hell is this?” The man’s face was bruised and swollen, and he looked scared for his life
, and for good reason. I’d beaten the shit out of him. “What the hell is going on, Lou? How is he proof?”
“This motherfucker knows that Momma is alive. He’s gonna help us find where she is. I just need some of that torture shit you learned in the Army to get it out of him.”
“Is what he’s saying true?” Larry asked the guy. He stepped back, his arms folded across his chest, and waited for an answer. Would you believe this fuckin’ guy had the nerve to shake his head no?
“Motherfucker, stop lying!” I punched him three times before Larry stopped me. “This motherfucker’s lying, Larry.”
Larry waved his hand at me. “Man, you got me out here in my drawers looking like a fool.”
“He knows about Momma. I swear to God, I can prove it. I can prove it,” I insisted. Don’t ask me where the tears came from, but they were rolling down my face. I stomped around to the passenger’s side of my car and reached inside. I pulled out the gun I’d taken from this fuck at the warehouse and presented it to my brother.
“Here, recognize this?”
“Where the fuck did you get this?” he barked.
“From him.” I pointed to the guy in the car with satisfaction. “Now maybe somebody will listen to me around here.”
Larry looked down at Momma’s gun. The expression on his face was one of pure devastation. I think he was freaked out by the reality in front of him.
“Pull this fucking car into the garage.” Larry slammed the trunk down and stomped toward his two-car detached garage while I slid behind the wheel. I pulled the car into the spacious garage once he opened it. I had barely gotten out when he stuck out his hand, demanding the key.
“Is it true? Is my momma alive?” Larry asked my captive the second he opened that trunk. The man didn’t answer; he just looked down. Larry pulled his tall afro hard, forcing him to look up, wincing in pain.
“She’s alive, and he knows where the fuck she is, Larry.” I grabbed a cigarette from a pack on a small table in the garage, along with Larry’s favorite lighter. I lit it and took a long drag as I watched my brother handle the guy, who could barely stand when Larry yanked him up.
Larry pulled the dude’s hair tighter and put his face so close that I was sure the guy could feel the heat from the sweat on Larry’s forehead. “Now, when I take this fucking gag off, the only words that better come out of your fucking mouth are the ones telling me where the fuck my mother is.”